Small Business Bids for Government Contracts 2022-03-31
2022-03-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Small businesses in Harrow East face challenges in obtaining government contracts. Recent figures show £15.5 billion was paid to SMEs in 2019-20.
What steps the Government is taking to increase opportunities for small businesses to bid for Government contracts?
We are increasing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises by transparently publishing contract pipelines and simplifying bidding processes. These measures are working, with £15.5 billion paid to SMEs in 2019-20.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Policy procurement note 06/21 introduces carbon reduction requirements for Government procurement over £5 million, which may be onerous for small businesses.
How will Ministers try to make the new carbon reduction plan requirements more proportionate for SMEs?
The £5 million figure applies per annum, with advice available from private sector organisations. The Minister will look at this point to reassure the House that it is proportionate.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not detailed beyond reminder of existing figures and availability of support
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The South West Food Hub's funding was withdrawn by the Crown Commercial Service, halting plans to test a dynamic procurement system.
What can be done to speed up the roll-out of the dynamic procurement model for public sector food procurement?
The memorandum of understanding with the South West Food Hub did not include specific funding, but the Minister is keen to work with the hon. Friend on this issue and explore it further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions not detailed beyond expressing willingness to meet and discuss
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The transparency of the Government's procurement processes is being questioned.
Will taxpayers benefit from greater transparency regarding contracts and their value?
Simpler and more transparent processes drive better value for money. The planned procurement legislation aims to achieve this transparency.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances not provided beyond general commitment
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Tameside Council developed an initiative to award contracts locally, but this is no longer possible under current rules.
Can there be a Britain Works First initiative encouraging local government and central Government to award more contracts to British companies?
Local businesses often have pride in their service, reflecting quality beyond tender prices. The procurement legislation considers social value and wider factors such as food miles and quality.
▸
Assessment & feedback
General principles stated without specific measures for local procurement
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There is a desire to support small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland to access government contracts.
What can be done to enable SMEs in Northern Ireland to obtain more Government contracts?
There is around £250 billion-worth of public procurement and £50 billion-worth of central Government public procurement, with a focus on enabling SMEs in Northern Ireland to get visibility of the pipeline.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not detailed beyond mentioning figures for visibility
Response accuracy